On the Circulation and Thermohaline Properties of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea

The circulation of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea is characterized by numerous recurrent or permanent anticyclonic structures, which modulate pathway main currents and exchange water masses in basin. This work aims to describe structures thermohaline properties with particular focus on two anticyclones, Pelops Cyprus gyres, using in-situ (drifters Argo floats) satellite (altimetry) data. gyre involved Levantine origin surface intermediate waters their flow toward Ionian Adriatic Sea. Gyre presents a marked interannual variability related presence/absence Atlantic its interior. These anticyclones are double diffusive instability winter mixing phenomena driven salty origin. Conditions for salt finger regime occur steadily dominantly within anticyclones. usually observed December–January, conditions column, gradual deepening mixed layer depth consequent downward doming isohalines. generally involves first 200 m column (but occasionally can affect also layer) forming mass well-defined characteristics. fingers during events below layer.